Olisa Metuh Charged For ‘Destroying Own Confessional Statement’, Sent Back To Prison

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
on Thursday morning slammed a fresh two-
count charge on the spokesman of the Peoples
Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, over an alleged
attempt by the politician to destroy a
confessional statement made to its operatives.
The new charges came less than 48 hours after
the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted him bail
over a seven-count charge of corruption.
The EFCC drove the embattled politician into the
premises of the FCT High Court on Thursday
morning, preparatory to slamming fresh charges
on him.
Like on Tuesday, Mr. Metuh was in handcuffs
when he was brought into the court.
The handcuffs were later removed as he waited
to be taken before a judge.
He was later brought before Justice Ishaq Bello,
and accused of attempting to destroy
information provided during his cross
examination at the office of the EFCC.
Count one of the charge contains allegation of
destruction of a statement he had given at the
commission, to prevent it from being produced,
while count two of the charge revolves around
allegations of mischief, all punishable under
section 327 of the Penal Code Act.
After pleading not guilty to the said charges,
counsel to the EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, asked for
more time to allow his team present witnesses
and evidence in support of the allegations
against the politician.
Justice Bello, who is the chief judge of the FCT
High Court, noted that the EFCC must produce
three witnesses during the next sitting, without
fail.
He noted that it was needless to have the case
brought before him if it was already ongoing at
a Federal High Court.
But EFCC counsel, Mr. Sylvanus, explained that
the new charges, filed on January 18, were not
the same as those currently being heard at the
Federal High Court.
The matter was adjourned till January 25, for
hearing of an application for bail, while
information would be relayed later on whether or
not the substantive suit would be heard Friday.
Mr. Metuh was also asked to return to Kuje
Prison.
The EFCC had on January 12 accused Mr. Metuh
of shredding a confessional statement he made
to its operatives, indicating it would charge him
separately for attempting to destroy a major
evidence in the case against him.
''The tearing of statement is tantamount to
willful destruction of government property and it
is a serious offence.'' The official had told this
newspaper at the time.
''Also the fact that he obstructed operatives
from performing their job is also a criminal
offence. We will explore the possibility of filling
a separate charge against him at the Federal
Capital Territory High Court.''
In the original case for which he is standing trial
at the Federal High Court, Mr. Metuh is facing a
seven-count charge of corruption.
He is accused of receiving N400 million from
former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
The amount is part of the allegedly diverted sum
of $2.1 billion meant for the purchase of arms.
On Tuesday, Justice Okon Abang granted him
bail.
To regain his freedom, however, Mr. Metuh,
Justice Abang said, must deposit N400 million
bail bond – same amount he is accused of
illegally receiving; two sureties who must have
properties in Maitama area of Abuja, and who
must also deposit N200 million each.
It is unclear whether Mr. Metuh met those bail
conditions.